Experimental and numerical investigation of impact behavior of RC slab with different opening size and layout

Abstract

The present study intends to investigate the dynamic responses and failure modes of two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs that have openings in different sizes and locations under the impact load effect. RC slabs may include the openings due to the various architectural imperatives. Stair and elevator openings, ventilation openings, the openings left for the electricity, and the water installations can be given as examples of openings taken place in the RC slabs. Many studies related to RC slabs subjected to the static and the reversed-cyclic dynamic loads have existed in the literature. However, at the end of the detailed literature review conducted, the authors have not encountered a comprehensive study focused on the RC slabs' impact behavior that has openings in different sizes and locations. In the present experimental study's scope, the impact loading was applied to two-way RC slabs with the openings via the drop-weight test setup designed by the authors. The time-histories of acceleration and displacements measured from the RC slabs and impact forces acting on the RC slabs have been recorded during the tests to investigate the effect of opening sizes and locations on the RC slabs' impact performance. Furthermore, a finite element model (FEM) has been developed using ABAQUS software to calculate dynamic response and failure modes of the RC slabs with openings. Good agreement between experimental and numerical results has proven that the proposed FEM could be used to evaluate the impact behavior of the RC slabs that have the openings.